Friday night in Gisimenti has a pulse of its own — vibrant, diverse, and impossibly inviting. Tonight, I find myself at K & M Bar on KG 18 Avenue, a spot I’ve never visited before, yet one that feels like it’s been waiting for me. Owned by a Syrian, K & M manages a rare balancing act: a typical bar with all the usual cocktails and beers, yet tucked within it, a cozy coffee corner that promises a caffeine kick when the night calls for it.
I’ve just downed a cup of rich Syrian coffee at the counter, and the buzz is settling in. Away from here, every table is occupied, mostly by young people from all corners of Africa and beyond, laughing, talking, and plotting their next pool shots. Playing pool seems to be the unofficial pastime — the kind of recreational energy that keeps the room alive.
The music is mood-lifting, spilling out through the speakers, bouncing off polished bottles and the warm glow of the bar lights. Outside, KG 18 Avenue hums with Gisimenti’s characteristic charm: streetlights flicker on, neon signs beckon, and the night feels like it’s just getting started.
For a first-timer like me, K & M Bar is a reminder that some places hit you immediately — a mix of cultural flair, good vibes, and just enough caffeine to kickstart your weekend. This is more than a bar; it’s a small universe where the night has a rhythm, and for a few hours, you can just be part of it.